17. Mr. TEMPLE MORRISasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether his intention has been called to the charges made regarding alleged payments by candidates for school appointments in South Wales; and if he will cause an inquiry to be made into these allegations?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. Ramsbotham)My Noble Friend has no information as to the alleged payments by candidates for school appointments in South Wales beyond the references which have appeared in the public Press. He is confident that any local education authorities in whose areas these allegations are made will make searching inquiries, and he understands that one authority has already initiated an inquiry; but there is nothing before him that would justify intervention on his part at present.
19. Mr. MORRISasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been 1236 called to the allegations made at a meeting of the Monmouthshire Education Committee that members of the Monmouthshire County Council have received money in bribes; and if he will take steps to order an inquiry into the matter?
Sir H. YOUNGI have read with concern allegations made in connection with the work of the Monmouthshire County Council. A special committee has been appointed by the Education Committee to investigate the allegations in that sphere, and I hope that in the public interest they will press forward with their task and make an early report. I will then decide what action it is necessary for me to take, in consultation, of course, with my Noble Friend so far as the education work is concerned.